Meet VSBA President, Janet Turner- Giles |
Why did you first decide to serve on your local school board and why have you continued to serve all these years?
Why serve on a school board? Because it’s the right thing to do! As a daughter of an accomplished educator and a parent of two school age children, I have a genuine interest in making things better for ALL students. Being a member of the school board has provided an opportunity to ensure that others have a voice. Serving in this capacity allows me to be a conduit for their concerns and interests. I strongly believe that my voice – anyone’s voice – can change the world. Serving as a member of the Nelson County School Board provides me with an opportunity to give back to a county that has given so much to me.
When you were a student, was there an educator who made a profound difference in your education experience?
There is always that one teacher that ignites the learning process in a child. My third-grade teacher, Ms. Cheryl Perry, was that and so much more to me. She took a genuine interest in me and took the time to get to know me – beyond just being a student on her roster. She really cared about me and not only wanted me to be successful but expected me to do so. She taught me always to do my best, to be confident and to stand up for myself – even if I had to stand alone. Back then, I didn’t realize how impactful that relationship was to me until when I got married and she was one of my bridesmaids.
Wow – what a profound difference a teacher can make in a child’s life!
What does being the VSBA President mean to you?
I’m honored and humbled by this appointment. It means that I know I have a significant responsibility to continue to uphold the mission of VSBA by promoting excellence in public education through leadership, advocacy, and support.
What is the most significant challenge on the horizon for public education in Virginia?
The greatest challenge that our school districts are facing now is the pandemic. We are all having to navigate our way through these unprecedented times while creating the new landscape of education for our specific localities. In addition, we are still faced with state and federal unfunded mandates, equity issues, budget crisis, technology demands, maintaining accreditation status, teaching 21st century skills, and the list goes on and on. I recognize that these challenges are complex and multifaceted; however, we must persist in doing the best we can with the resources provided in the pursuit of a core goal: minimizing the negative impact on our students and increasing student achievement.
Why is VSBA membership valuable?
To successfully execute the duties of a school board member, you need to first become knowledgeable. This can be accomplished through ongoing education which is one of the invaluable membership benefits of VSBA. VSBA offers a plethora of educational conferences and workshops that will prove to be invaluable resources.
How has your involvement with the VSBA over the years benefitted your division?
In addition to the wonderful education conferences and workshops offered by VSBA, there is an equally important component of being a member – the networking opportunities. The opportunity to meet fellow school board members and share/learn from their experiences is a priceless offering of VSBA. Nelson County has benefited by the professional relationships we have developed between member boards and the associated sharing of best practices.
What do you hope to accomplish as VSBA President?
I recognize that this has been an extraordinary year, a year like no other, where we have all had to pivot from what we know as “normal” to the “new normal”. This pandemic has created chaos in so many lives and has put us all in a difficult situation. The coronavirus has put a spotlight on all the inequities that truly exist in education and in the world. As school board members, we have all been forced to ponder and make decisions over things that we never thought we would have had to before. Should we continue with virtual learning? Should we send children back to the classroom? Should we move toward hybrid learning? Our challenges are great, but the potential for meeting them exists. As school board members, we need to work together to meet these challenges. If we do so, then history will show that we in our day met the demands which our times required of us. The stakes of education for students are higher now than ever before and it will be up to us to create the “new normal.” I look forward to working alongside each one of you to pave the way for the future of education.
What advice do you have for new school board members?
Your voice matters! And even if you don’t see that immediate return on your investment – someone does, someone will – one day! As John Lewis (American civil rights leader and politician) once said, you must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way…to get in the way. The future is created by what we do today not tomorrow. My advice to new school board members is to be the change!
|
|
Janet Turner- Giles
VSBA President
|
Issue Highlights
VSBA 2020 Virtual Annual Convention
2020 VSBA Virtual Delegate Assembly
Review of Organizational Meeting Requirements
Take Your Legislator to School Month Recap
Rodney Jordan Awarded Mary Peake Award of Excellence
Newport News Completes the VSBA Master Board Program
2020 VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship Recipients
VSBA Prepares to Celebrate 115 Years
Spotlight Article- Hampton City Public Schools
|
|
Executive Director
Gina G. Patterson
|
|
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
Despite the Pandemic, we've all managed to accomplish a lot
As the VSBA team wrapped up A successful Virtual Annual Convention, I spent some time reflecting on the over two weeks of events that are traditionally held over three days in-person in Williamsburg. We began with the Foundations Workshop on November 5th, followed up the next week with the Fall School Board Clerks Meeting, the Student School Board Representatives Session, and the Annual COSA Meeting.
On November 16th, we held VSBA's Annual Delegate Assembly online. As we worked to get Delegates online, reviewed protocols with our Parliamentarian, and began the official business meeting, I was able to settle in and witness an effective democratic process. Though the format was different, Board Members from across the Commonwealth were able to join together and listen to one another as discussions were had and decisions were made by the delegates that would ultimately shape the work of the VSBA over the year to come.
This year, School Boards and Divisions encountered challenge after challenge as they worked quickly to navigate a new normal. Schools were forced to close mid-March for what turned out to be the remainder of the school year. Students, teachers, and staff had to adapt to a new way of teaching, learning and delivering services.
School Governance teams continued to serve their communities day in and day out and in ways we never could have imagined. You worked to provide instruction to students with as little disruption as possible. You worked quickly to make meals and child-care available to those who needed them.
VSBA, too, adjusted swiftly as the pandemic toppled our work as we knew it. We worked quickly to arrange an audience for you with leaders across the state including the Governor, Secretary of Education, State Superintendent of Education, as well as Senators Warner and Kaine. We kept you informed on a continual basis about the latest news, resources, and updates with a weekly message as well as significantly increasing the number of webinars available to you since March.
Moving forward VSBA will continue to remain focused on the priorities of our members. We will work tirelessly on the issues that hold the key to a better tomorrow such as equity in education and bridging the digital divide.
I am optimistic that we will look back at this time and be able to identify the ways in which it pushed us forward better equipped to meet the needs of our students. We now have a better understanding of the technological tools that can help students engage in independent learning as well as parents who are involved in their students' education far beyond what we have seen previously. This time has developed a healthy awareness of how important public education is to everyone.
I hope you have observed this year that the VSBA staff will always be there to support you in any way that we can. We look forward to a productive 2021.
-GP
|
|
|
2020 VSBA Virtual Annual Convention |
|
School Board Members from all across the Commonwealth joined virtually from November 18-20 to attend the 2020 VSBA Virtual Annual Convention. The evaluation results point to the conclusion that attendees enjoyed this new format. Though we missed meeting in person and visiting with you all, we were proud to be able to reimagine the Annual Convention in a way that met your needs as well as kept you safe.
Over 95% of School Board members in attendance rated the conference as excellent (59.5%) or good (35.7%). I was pleasantly surprised that the percentage of those who said 'excellent' exceeded the percentage of those who said 'good,' said Gina Patterson, executive director. "Typically we expect to see responses form a bell-shaped curve with majority of the responses in the middle, and not the extremes," which in this case is the 'excellent' response.
About 850 people participated in the convention, which was about 150 less than last year's in-person convention. VSBA Past President Rodney Jordan said "Congratulations to Gina and the entire VSBA staff. The staff has accomplished so much despite being a small team and all of the challenges and changes that COVID- 19 brought."
This hard work did not go unnoticed by conference attendees either. The following quotes were pulled from the anonymous evaluations, and emails to staff.
"Hats off to the entire staff at the VSBA for a great conference. Very well done in every aspect."
"I have some great ideas for our board."
"It was very, very good. Thoroughly enjoyed it."
“It went much better than I expected, and I actually liked some things better!”
“You are to be complimented and congratulated for pulling together such a great conference in this crazy, virtual
world. I was really impressed with the platform and all of the work I know you put into it.“
“The Virtual Convention has been wonderful. I actually visited more vendors and attended more sessions.”
“The Convention is Awesome, Love the engagement. A model to follow!”
The Convention was hosted on an event platform known as EventMobi and the General Sessions were run live through GoToWebinar, with some sessions hosted through Zoom. The technology generally worked well, and VSBA staff was on standby throughout the Convention to provide Help Desk assistance.
Among the most popular sessions were the Annual School Law Update Session, the Superintendent and Board Relations- What We Learned as a Governance Team session, and the session titled Implicit Bias, Diversity and Inclusion.
Attendees competed to collect the most secret words in order to be entered to win the Daily Door Prizes, as well as received prizes for attending General Sessions, Nightowl Sessions, and participating in chats. In addition to door prizes and giveaways, many divisions earned awards throughout the convention. To view all of the press releases with more information you can visit the VSBA website here.
Executive Director, Gina Patterson said the VSBA will continue to offer virtual training and events but that it looks forward to returning to in-person events, as well, as soon as possible. "Public Education is a people oriented enterprise," she said. "We thrive on getting together, whether virtually or in-person."
|
|
2020 VSBA Virtual Delegate Assembly |
|
The Virginia School Boards Association held its 2020 Delegate Assembly on Monday, November 16, 2020. Delegates from across the Commonwealth met virtually to consider six new or amended legislative proposals, as well as recommendations for changes to the VSBA By-Laws. The proposals and by-laws were provided to every school board member in the Delegate Assembly Handbook which was sent via email on September 30, 2020.
VSBA President Rodney A. Jordan led the meeting and reviewed the six new or amended legislative proposals. Delegates voted to approve proposals three and five as a block and heard robust discussion on the remaining four proposals. Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure for the virtual assembly, school divisions were able to request proposals to be removed from the block prior to the meeting. After all Delegates wishing to speak on the four removed proposals were heard, Delegates voted to approve each of the proposals.
Following approval of the legislative proposals, Delegates discussed recommended changes to the VSBA By-Laws. Recommended change number 1 prohibits more than one board member from each division to serve on the Board of Directors at the same time and change number 2 prohibits more than one board member from each division to serve as regional officers at the same time. Following discussion, the two recommended changes were approved by the assembly.
The final order of business was an introduction of incoming VSBA President Janet Turner-Giles, Nelson County. President Jordan welcomed Turner-Giles and allowed her to bring greetings to the Delegates. Following the introduction of Turner-Giles, Jordan adjourned the 2020 VSBA Virtual Delegate Assembly.
|
|
Elizabeth Ewing,
Director, Legal and Policy Services
|
|
Review of Organizational Meeting Requirements
Many school boards had elections in November. What happens next?
|
The terms of office for school board members who were elected at a general election in November begin on January 1. School board members who were elected at a special election (even if it was held at the same time as the general election) take office as soon as they qualify; they must qualify no later than 30 days after the election.
Many boards, especially those that have elections in November, hold their annual organizational meeting in January.
Virginia law requires school boards to take certain actions at an annual organizational meeting, including the following:
- establishing the regular meeting schedule for the year
- electing one of the board members as chair [please note that this requirement applies to most, but not all, school boards], and
- on the recommendation of the superintendent, appointing a clerk of the school board.
In addition, the school board may, but is not required to,
- elect a school board member as vice-chair, and
- appoint a deputy clerk.
Even though the appointment of a vice-chair and deputy clerk is not required by law, most, if not all, Virginia school boards appoint people to those positions in order to ensure that someone is designated to perform the duties normally performed by the chair and clerk in the event that they are unavailable.
Clerks and deputy clerks must each furnish a corporate security bond in the amount of at least $10,000. The premium for the bond is paid by the school board.
The term of the chair and clerk, and the vice-chair and deputy clerk, if any, is one year.
VSBA frequently is asked who chairs the organizational meeting until the vote for a new chair is taken. There are several options. If the current chair is still on the board, that person continues to be the chair of the board until a new chair is elected and thus chairs the meeting. If the chair’s term ended but the vice-chair is still on the board, the vice-chair can chair the meeting until a new chair is elected. If the vice-chair’s term has also ended, the board can elect any other board member to chair the meeting until a new chair is elected. Logical choices for which board member to select include a board member who has formerly been the chair, and thus has experience running meetings, or the longest-tenured school-board member who has, presumably, been present at numerous board meetings and thus is familiar with the necessary procedures. In addition, some divisions have a tradition of the superintendent chairing the meeting until a new chair is elected.
In addition to the actions required by law, many boards also assign board members to serve on various committees or act as liaisons to various groups at the organizational meeting.
Your local board may also use the organizational meeting as an opportunity to review important information such as board norms and protocols, especially if new members have joined the board. Reviewing the agendas from prior organizational meetings can help a board determine what items are usually included in the board’s organizational meeting.
In addition to taking care of required actions, the organizational meeting provides a great opportunity to get the year off to a good start. That opportunity may be particularly welcome in 2021, so boards may want to consider what, if anything, they want to do to take advantage of that opportunity.
|
|
J.T. Kessler, Government Relations Specialist |
|
VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month |
November 2020 was proclaimed “VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month” by Governor Ralph Northam and school divisions across the Commonwealth held programs that welcomed federal, state, and local elected officials to their buildings both in-person and virtually. The VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month initiative is designed to promote a closer relationship between public education and federal, state, and local elected officials. Despite the challenges encountered because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the participation by local school divisions in this event was outstanding and we were thrilled with all the pictures of legislators interacting with school board members and school administrators that were shared with us. We have included a selection of the many successful visits and meetings you had with your legislators. |
|
Botetourt County Public Schools
Botetourt County Public Schools welcomed United States Congressman Ben Cline to James River High School as part of their TYLSM activity. Congressman Cline toured the high school, met with students, and was briefed on the school division’s strategies to mitigate COVID-19 while providing in-person instruction to students.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Delegates David Bulova, Kathleen Murphy, Ken Plum, and Ibraheem Samirah joined Fairfax County Public Schools to see Kindergarten classrooms at Colvin Run Elementary. The Legislators were able to see how students and staff experience the division’s virtual learning model.
|
|
Photo Courtesy of Botetourt County Public Schools |
|
Photo Courtesy of Fairfax County Public Schools |
|
King and Queen County Public Schools
Delegate Keith Hodges visited King and Queen Elementary School and Central High School as part of King and Queen County’s TYLSM event. Delegate Hodges spoke with students about his role as a Delegate and how the General Assembly functions in Richmond.
Williamsburg/James City County Public Schools
The Williamsburg/James City County School Board teamed up with the local Board of Supervisors to invite members of the local legislative delegation to hear a budget presentation detailing funding struggles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Photo Courtesy of King & Queen County Public Schools |
|
Photo Courtesy of Williamsburg/ James City County Public Schools |
|
Multiple Regions Collaborate to Hold Virtual Event
School board members and Superintendents from Harrisonburg City, Page County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, and Warren County held a regional meeting welcoming legislators in celebration of TYLSM. Senator Emmett Hanger, Senator Mark Obenshain, Delegate Rob Bell, Delegate Chris Runion, and representatives from the offices of Delegate Todd Gilbert and Delegate Tony Wilt attended virtually and listened to concerns from the school representatives.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all the school divisions that participated and shared stories and photos from Take Your Legislator to School Month 2020! Make sure to continue to engage with your legislators throughout the year and to visit the VSBA Legislative Update Blog for the latest news from the General Assembly. The 2021 session convenes January 13, 2021.
|
|
Past- President Rodney A. Jordan awarded
Mary Peake Award of Excellence in Education Equity
|
|
Congratulations to VSBA Past-President Rodney A. Jordan of the Norfolk City School Board for receiving the Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity in the category of Policy Maker for his work as VSBA President and as Co-Chair of the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments. Named after one of Virginia’s first education equity pioneers, this award recognizes individuals making an impact on equity outcomes in the Commonwealth. The award is presented by the Virginia Department of Education. Jordan was presented the award during a virtual ceremony on December 3, 2020. |
|
VSBA Task Force On Students and Schools in Challenging Environments Meet with Governor and Secretary of Education to Review 2.0 Report |
|
In November, the Co-Chairs of the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments, Dr. Mark Lineburg, Superintendent of Halifax County Schools, and VSBA Past-President Rodney Jordan (Norfolk City) were joined by VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson and VSBA Government Relations Specialist J.T. Kessler as they met with Governor Ralph Northam and Secretary of Education Atif Qarni to discuss and review the latest report out of the Task Force.
The 2.0 report, released in September is a follow up to the original report released by the Task Force in 2014. This report contains a collection of best practices and recommended initiatives to advance success and opportunities for students and schools in challenging environments. To view the complete report click here. To visit the website dedicated to the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments click here.
|
|
VSBA December Board of Directors Meeting |
|
The VSBA Board of Directors met electronically on Friday, December 4, 2020 and took the following actions:
- Election of the 2021 Executive Committee
- Election of Delegates and Alternates to the Anticipated 2021 NSBA Annual Convention, NSBA Leadership Conference, and VSBA Committee Membership
- Approval of the Chairs of the Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments and the Task Force on Workforce Readiness serve as ex-officio members to the VSBA Board of Directors
- Approval of 2021 Revised VSBA Legislative Priorities
The Board also heard the following reports:
- Report from the Office of the Governor
- Report of the Virginia Secretary of Education
- Report of the Virginia High School League
- Report of VACORP
- Update on Marketing Agreement between BPA, MetLife and VSBA
|
|
Newport News City Governance Team
Earns Distinction of VSBA Master Board
|
|
The Newport News School Board and Superintendent are the second school governance team in Virginia to earn the designation of a VSBA Master Board. The Team attended three sessions totaling over eighteen hours of professional development beginning in August and concluding on November 6. The discussions, facilitated by staff of the Virginia School Boards Association, focused on team building, improving communication, listening, and board building behaviors.
“We are hopeful that Master Board training has given us the leadership skills that our parents, students, and staff need during this time of crisis,” said School Board Chair Douglas Brown. “I would like to thank the entire Board and Superintendent for making the sacrifices necessary to become a Master Board. The Master Board Training has led to several important changes in our policy, meeting structure, and team communication to support the education of our students in Newport News.”
|
|
2020 VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship Recipients |
|
Cole Cestaro
Winchester City Public Schools
Why were you interested in serving as the student representative on the school board?
I was intrigued by the opportunity to create change in my school division, and I felt my inclusive/friendly nature would allow me to collect the most diverse, full student perspective to aid in school board meetings.
What has been your most
memorable experience serving as the student representative on the school board?
Lily England, the other student representative, and I created Instagram and Twitter accounts to receive student comments and update the student body after school board meetings. We needed our first post to be funny, so we asked Mrs. Erica Truban (Chair) and Dr. Jason Van Heukelum (Superintendent) to take a picture with us ‘dabbing’ - a popular dance move. Check it out on either the Twitter or Instagram account @RepsWPS.
|
Paul Diaz Karhnak
Hampton City Public Schools
Why were you interested in serving as the student representative on the school board?
My first high school experiences were through the Hampton High School Crabber Marching Band in the summer before my freshman year. The band’s drum major was, at the time, Hampton’s Student Representative to the School Board, and various conversations I had with him over the course of the marching band season sparked my interest in the position. I knew by that point that I wanted to go into public service as a career, and gauged that being the Student Representative would be one of the best things I could do for my community while in high school.
Though I could not apply for the position until the spring of my sophomore year when I was a rising junior, I continued to keep the opportunity at the front of my mind. Later on in the academic year, I befriended a club leader that would later go on to himself serve as Student Representative, and as we regularly discussed current events and community happenings, I got an even better sense of his leadership style. When he formally assumed the role of Student Representative in my sophomore year, he became even more of a mentor to me, confirming my intention to apply for the position.
Applying to be Hampton’s Student Representative to the School Board meant giving back to those teachers, friends, and mentors who had invested so much in my development of academic skills and citizenship. I knew I wanted to serve like my predecessors, who I truly looked up to as role models for servant leadership and community involvement. I resolved to follow in their footsteps in whatever ways possible, chief among them being the Student Representative.
What has been your most memorable experience serving as the student representative on the school board?
It was truly an honor and a privilege to address the VSBA as a member of a student panel on equity, school safety, and other issues in education for the 2019 Annual Conference General Session in November 2019. I received word of the opportunity in August or September of that year and was excited to have the ability to truly speak with authority on student issues to a statewide audience. I had previously attended VSBA’s Annual Conference in my capacity as an Academies of Hampton Ambassador in Fall 2018, and was assigned to a breakout room discussing the intersection of regional economic and educational development; from this, my expectations were that perhaps a hundred people would be present for the student panel’s remarks, what I still regarded as quite a large and varied audience. What I did not realize, however, was that the panel’s scheduling within the General Session meant that the conference’s full slate of attendees would be sitting in on the talk. It was a pleasant surprise to be guided to a large ballroom and learn that us students would address hundreds, if not over one thousand, audience members, and it made the entire experience that much more memorable. As a fairly strong extrovert, I find social interaction invigorating and electrifying, so rather than being apprehensive, I felt energized and ready to rise to the challenge.
For the panel discussion itself, I opted to discuss school safety, and I remember answering several questions from the prescribed list of sample topics provided to us beforehand. Other students on the panel discussed equity, school calendar start dates and school start times, and an assortment of issues in public education which we were familiar with from our everyday experiences. A few of our responses generated standing ovations from the audience; I remember appreciating the fact that our perspectives had such critical importance in decision-making not only in our home jurisdictions, but throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Afterwards, I got some messages from fellow board members indicating that I had represented Hampton City Schools well and had given topical answers and helpful recommendations on educational issues. The experience on the VSBA Conference General Session’s student panel proved to me even more not only the value of student input in educational leadership, but the extent to which that reality is appreciated by Virginia’s school boards. My service on the panel is therefore one of my most memorable events during my tenure as Hampton’s Student Representative to the School Board.
|
|
Center on Reinventing Public Education Releases New Brief:
One Step Forward, One Step Back: Public Health Fears Keep America's School Districts on a Reopening Treadmill
|
|
This brief gives an update on the nationally representative sample of school district reopening plans. This update comes at a critical time, as a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic once again forces school system leaders to rethink plans to welcome students safely to campuses, and spiking caseloads raise a new round of public health fears for students, families, and teachers.
They found:
Districts made modest shifts toward providing more in-person learning opportunities.
- The biggest change in modes of instruction is in the share of districts offering varying models across grade levels—meaning that at least some grade levels (typically elementary) are learning in-person or hybrid.
- A significant rural-urban divide persists. City districts are still far more likely to operate fully remote than suburban and rural districts. Rural districts remain far more likely to operate fully in-person than city and suburban districts.
-
Districts are prioritizing younger students and students with disabilities for in-person learning.
- Nearly 60 percent of districts reported offering full in-person learning to elementary grades, while less than 50 percent of districts reported offering full in-person learning for middle and high schools.
- Of the school districts that operate in full remote or hybrid models, 41.3 percent of school districts provide some sort of priority access for students with disabilities.
|
|
VSBA Prepares to Celebrate
115 Years of Leadership Advocacy and Support
|
|
During 2021, VSBA will be celebrating 115 years of providing Leadership, Advocacy and Support to Public Schools across the Commonwealth. We invite you to join us as we celebrate. Look out for information in January to kick off this year long celebration as well as for snippets in the daily news and newsletters taking a look back at the evolution of education in Virginia. |
|
Division Spotlight: Hampton City Public Schools
In each newsletter VSBA will spotlight a recent initiative or best practice taking place in a school division in Virginia. If you have a story you would like to submit for inclusion in the spotlight section of the VSBA newsletter, please contact Samantha Bosserman, director of communications and board development, for more information. We look forward to hearing about the great things going on in your divisions.
|
|
A Systems Approach to Social Emotional Learning
Submitted by Hampton City Public Schools
|
|
Hampton City Schools (HCS) recognizes that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a vital key to ensure teaching and learning success. SEL equips both adults and students with crucial skills to understand and manage emotions. SEL outcomes may seem quite intuitive; however, they need to be taught and learned through observation, experience and direct guidance. When these skills are utilized effectively, it promotes a positive school climate and culture ultimately increasing student achievement.
Knowing the crucial need for these skills and that a positive school climate and culture are as important as academic success, HCS chose to design a systems approach to SEL. By intentionally infusing these skills into instructional practices, it ensures that SEL is part of our school culture. SEL is woven into teaching and learning versus a separate program or curriculum to implement.
|
|
Director of Climate and Culture, Heather Peterson, leads the SEL work to ensure it is reflected through the division core values and daily actions of staff and students. SEL is “Tier 1” for all staff and students. While SEL is led by the climate and culture department, all student support departments are intentional in supporting SEL. When additional supports or services are needed for student or staff success, SEL is the foundation for the work across departments.
Through this systems approach, Hampton City Schools' entire Student Support Team (school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, and school counselors) is trained and equipped to model and teach SEL strategies to better support students and teachers.
In addition, the Department of Student Services grounds their work in Social Emotional Learning. Director of Student Services, Ms. Tiffany Hardy, shares that the new student code of conduct in Hampton City Schools is “a balanced approach of education, intervention, and administrative response.” The focus, when students are referred for behavior concerns, is on learning and identifying the developmental needs of the students so that interventions can be developed. Rather than consequences put upon the student, teaching the social emotional skills needed for academic learning, relationship-building, and for life are the target.
Each year the division collects data on student perception about their school climate and disruptive behaviors. Since the implementation of SEL strategies in 2018, improvements have been seen. Students report more fair treatment by their peers, adults are seen as more caring, and classroom disruptions are decreasing.
|
|
In an effort to ensure a focused implementation, Hampton City Schools created a four-year strategic plan for SEL that serves as a roadmap for integrating SEL across the entire division. The plan was communicated with all stakeholders and is shared on a continuous basis to drive the work. Currently, the division is in a year of refinement and will continue to embed SEL strategies across the curriculum as well as have an intentional focus on equity-based practices.
Professional learning was key in helping staff define and understand social emotional learning and its impact on school climate. HCS is committed to offering on-going, interactive, learning sessions that first support staff and then equip staff with strategies. Sessions provide an opportunity to help adults embrace the expectation that SEL is not just for students and not a program to implement. Hampton City Schools also created a Social Emotional Learning Toolkit to extend and support the work of staff. This Toolkit provides strategies and activities that can be implemented during class meetings, instructional time or as a closing activity and are just a few clicks away on the HCS website.
Sustaining the work of SEL in the division requires a focus on building capacity. Each school has a climate coach. Climate coaches are a stipend position that take on additional responsibilities to promote a positive climate and culture in their school. They provide professional learning and support to their colleagues focusing on strategies to build SEL skills and creating positive relationships. These coaches are leaders for the SEL work in each school building. Hampton High School Executive Principal, Shameka Pollard, summarizes the important impact coaches bring, “Our climate coaches are essential to maintaining morale in the building. They intentionally create spaces for fellowship, sharing, celebrations and bonding, even as we work virtually.”
|
|
News Tidbits: Stories and Studies from Around the Country |
|
|
Why School Board Diversity Matters
The racial and ethnic makeup of school boards rarely matches that of the students in the schools they are responsible for. Yet a growing body of research suggests having more diverse school boards can make concrete differences in how schools operate.
Read more
www.edweek.org
|
|
|
|
|
Study: Students falling behind in math during COVID-19...
(AP) - A disproportionately large number of poor and minority students were not in schools for assessments this fall, complicating efforts to measure the pandemic's effects on some of the most vulnerable students, a not-for-profit company that...
Read more
www.wdbj7.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
New study shows students doing better than expected in...
Students scored about the same in reading, compared to last year, but math scores are lagging in some age groups. CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Just how well are students handling online learning? A new report from a standardized testing agency NWEA has a...
Read more
www.13newsnow.com
|
|
|
|
|
"I Hate This": A Qualitative Analysis of Adolescents'...
The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for adolescents because of disruptions in school and social life. We compiled a diverse group (36.8% nonwhite or multiracial) of high schoolers' open-ended responses to the question: "What are your ...
Read more
www.jahonline.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact of Bathroom Discrimination on Mental Health Among ...
Nascent research has found that transgender and/or nonbinary (TGNB) youths experience higher rates of poor mental health outcomes than cisgender youths. The minority stress model highlights experiences of rejection and discrimination on mental...
Read more
www.jahonline.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
VSBA Affiliate Member Profiles
In each Issue of the VSBA newsletter, we will feature three VSBA Affiliate Members.
Thank you for your support of the VSBA and Virginia's public education system.
|
|
Ameresco
Energy Services – Facility Renewal on existing budget thru performance contracting
Richard F. Ritter
Phone: (804) 762-4943
|
|
Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc.
Third Party Administrator that specializes in the administration of partially self insured group health plans that are integrated with robust wellness, disease management, and cost containment programs.
Morris Masinter
Phone: (540) 345-2721 x321
|
|
HBA Architecture & Interior Design, Inc.
Educational Facilities Planning & Design/Architecture
C. Michael Ross
Phone: (757) 490-9048
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & WEBINARS |
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Paid Webinar
DETAIL: Join us for a live webinar with Cynthia Hudson and Bradford King, attorneys from SandsAnderson as they explain the new collective bargaining legislation. This session will provide an overview of the new provisions on Virginia's new law enabling local governments and school boards to bargain collectively with "unionized" employees. You do not want to miss out!
Cost: $150 per registration (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations)
|
Monday & Tuesday, January 25-26, 2021
LOCATION: Virtual Conference
DETAIL: Board members and superintendents annually meet when the General Assembly is in session to be briefed on education issues before the General Assembly and to learn effective lobbying techniques. This seminar provides participants with the opportunity to be personally involved in the legislative process.
Cost: $200 per registration (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations, VSBA Academy Credit Points will NOT be awarded for any individual not registered)
|
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
LOCATION: Virtual Conference
DETAIL: Presented twice a year, this comprehensive day-long conference is designed specifically to give new board members and superintendents an overview of the basics of boardsmanship.
Cost: $205 per registration (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations, VSBA Academy Credit Points will NOT be awarded for any individual not registered)
|
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
LOCATION: Virtual Conference
DETAIL: Presented twice a year, this comprehensive day-long conference is designed specifically to give new Chairs and Vice Chairs an overview of the basics of boardsmanship.
Cost: $205 per registration (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations, VSBA Academy Credit Points will NOT be awarded for any individual not registered)
|
200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Tel: 434-295-8722 Fax: 434-295-8785
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
